At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ecological projects and provide expert advice on environmental assessments.
- Company: Join Avian Ecology, part of Origin Enterprises, dedicated to sustainable land use.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, life assurance, professional memberships, and 25 days' holiday.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in ecology while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and significant consultancy experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Avian Ecology Ltd is an Origin Enterprises business, forming part of the Environmental division. At Origin Enterprises, we are dedicated to championing sustainable land use, and our Environmental teams support a diverse range of clients and projects—from land management and development to restoration and conservation. Joining us means becoming part of a collaborative, purpose driven community where this collective expertise enables us to deliver high quality, fully integrated solutions and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes across the UK and Ireland.
About Avian Ecology: Avian Ecology is a growing ecological consultancy delivering complex infrastructure and land-use projects across the UK, with a strong and expanding portfolio in the renewables sector including onshore wind and solar projects. As our workload continues to increase in technical complexity and scale, particularly across EIA developments and NSIP/DCO/S36 applications, we are investing in strengthening our internal technical leadership capability.
We are therefore seeking to appoint a Head of Ecology who will act as a technical authority within the business; supporting the delivery of robust, defensible ecological advice and maintaining technical excellence across a growing team of Principal Ecologists and Consultants. The successful candidate will ideally be based in our Lower Stretton office, although hybrid or remote working will be considered.
Salary: £60-70K per annum, depending on experience.
The role will include:
- Acting as technical lead for complex ecological inputs to EIA and NSIP/DCO/S36 projects
- Technical Document Authoring and Input, including but not limited to Bespoke Technical Documents and Notes, Inquiry and Hearing Proofs and Supporting Documentation and HRA
- Oversee and contribute to ES / EIA-R Chapters and EcIA, as required
- Supporting project teams in survey design, impact assessment and mitigation
- Tendering of complex projects
- Providing oversight of protected species licensing and mitigation strategies
- Supporting ecological inputs to Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
- Advising on interpretation of policy, guidance and emerging best practice
- Leading responses to technical consultation and examination questions
- Supporting planning appeals and examination processes where required
- Mentoring and supporting the technical development of internal staff
- Supporting internal technical standards and consistency of approach
- Contributing to continuous improvement of survey and assessment methodologies
Key Requirements:
- Degree qualified in relevant field
- Full CIEEM Membership (desirable)
- Significant consultancy experience at Principal level or above
- Experience of EcIA, ES and HRA authorship or technical review
- Experience of working as part of a wider EIA team
- Strong working knowledge of UK ecological policy and legislation
- Experience of mitigation design and protected species licensing
- Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain
- Experience of Planning Appeals or DCO Examination (desirable)
Why work for us? We offer a competitive and supportive rewards package designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally. This includes Life Assurance, access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and paid professional memberships such as CIEEM. We are committed to continuous development, offering a blend of internal and external training opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career. As part of our inclusive culture, you will have the opportunity to join our monthly Neurodiversity Café, take part in community action days, and benefit from our family friendly policies, including enhanced family leave options. While we value time spent together in our offices to collaborate and stay connected, most roles offer hybrid working and open conversations around flexibility. You will also enjoy 25 days' holiday, regular performance and development reviews, and the chance to collaborate across the wider Origin Group, especially within our growing family of Environmental businesses. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can grow, contribute and feel valued.
Visit our website to learn more — and grow with us.
Head of Ecology in Warrington employer: Avian Ecology Ltd
Avian Ecology Ltd, part of the Origin Enterprises family, is an exceptional employer dedicated to sustainable land use and environmental excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a competitive rewards package, including professional development opportunities, hybrid working options, and a supportive, inclusive culture that values diversity and collaboration. Join us in our Lower Stretton office or work remotely, and be part of a purpose-driven community making a meaningful impact across the UK and Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Ecology in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecology field, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent work in the renewables sector and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see your passion for sustainable land use shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work, especially any technical documents or projects you've led. This will demonstrate your capability as a technical authority and give us a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our collaborative community at Avian Ecology.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Ecology in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Ecology role. Highlight your consultancy experience, technical leadership, and any relevant projects you've worked on in the past.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about ecology and how your background aligns with our mission at Avian Ecology. Don’t forget to mention your experience with EIA and NSIP projects!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Since this role requires strong technical knowledge, be sure to include examples of your work with EcIA, ES, and HRA authorship. This will demonstrate your capability as a technical authority within the team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about our culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avian Ecology Ltd
✨Know Your Ecology Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK ecological policy and legislation. Be ready to discuss your experience with EcIA, ES, and HRA authorship or technical review. This role is all about technical excellence, so showing that you’re well-versed in these areas will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Ecology, you'll be expected to mentor and support a growing team. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in complex projects. Highlight your experience in providing oversight and contributing to project success—this will show you’re ready for the challenge.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about specific ecological inputs to EIA and NSIP/DCO/S36 projects. Think about how you would approach tendering complex projects and managing protected species licensing. Practising your responses to these types of questions can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Avian Ecology values continuous development, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to improving methodologies in your previous roles. Share any experiences where you’ve implemented new strategies or improved existing processes, as this aligns perfectly with their commitment to high-quality solutions.
